SATURDAY PM/SUNDAY AM: 9TH UPDATE: As Warner Bros Pictures President of Domestic Distribution Dan Fellman gushed about all the records being set, “These numbers are amazing.” Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 flew to $92.1M in the U.S. and Canada Friday (including that record-setting $43.5M from midnight showings) and $44.2M Saturday and an estimated $33.6M Sunday helped by higher 3D ticket prices. Friday crushed the record for best single-day box office, best Friday box office. But the wizards didn’t break the Saturday record of $51.3M set by 2D-only Spider-Man 3 on its second day of release. However, HP‘s franchise finale definitely shatterered the biggest 3-day weekend ever with $168.5M to beat the other gold standard 2D-only Dark Knight‘s $158.4M. And the good news just kept coming. Part 2 scored an overall CinemaScore of ‘A’.

Overseas, the franchise finale grossed $307M with 34M admissions from over 20K screens in 59 countries. That’s the biggest international opening weekend of all time ahead of $260.4M’s Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 which is a 3D-to-3D comparison. Approximately 45% of the total screen count was 3D and accounted for about 61% of the box office. Led by record-breaking grosses in the UK ($36.6M) and Australia ($26.7M), all markets have performed exceedingly well, including Germany ($25.7M), France ($23.9M) and Japan ($21.5M). Globally, it also broke the IMAX opening weekend record with a worldwide gross of $23.5M, which includes setting a new record in North America with $15.5M. That makes for a worldwide total of $475.5M, yet another record besting the previous crown holder $394M set by 2D-only Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince.

Warner Bros President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan-Rubinek“Harry Potter is truly a cultural phenomenon the world over. Whether in German, French, Japanese, Russian, or any language, international audiences have embraced the Harry Potter films over the years, with the powerful finale punctuating just how special the property is. We congratulate everyone associated with the films on this monumental achievement.”

Added Fellman: “These numbers are amazing, but they are only part of the story. It is impossible to quantify how thrilled and grateful we all are that both critics and audiences — especially loyal Harry Potter fans — continue to support the film. This is the culmination of an extraordinary decade, and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of many, many people on both sides of the camera, beginning with the brilliant J.K. Rowling, as well as producer David Heyman. We applaud them all.”

Woody Allen overtakes his previous best, 1986’s Hannah And Her Sisters becoming his highest grossing film of all time in North America. This is
Allen’s 42nd feature film that he has written and directed, and his 4th film with Sony Pictures Classics. But this is also a dopey comparison since Hannah’s number is not adjusted for inflation or higher ticket prices.

FRIDAY 4 PM, 6TH UPDATE: Sources tell me that Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is already cruising past $80M for the day in North America (including that $43.5M from midnight showings). This is setting a record for largest single-day box office in motion picture history. (Previous largest day was Twilight Saga: New Moon at $72M.) Movietickets.com is reporting that Part 2 also broke ticket sales records yesterday becoming the new #1 online ticket pre-seller of all time by surging past New Moon. That’s a new global cume of $162.5M. Around the U.S., midnight showings sold out. In Lansing, Michigan, lines began at 8 PM at NCG Cinemas which pulled out all the stops for the release, from offering a week of movie marathons to special Potter-themed 3-D glasses. In turn, fans came dressed as their favorite witches and wizards. Updates throughout the night.

FRIDAY 10 AM, 5TH UPDATE: Warner Bros says the 2-day international cume for Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is now $82.5M from 43 countries after earning $37.6M Thursday and $43.6M Wednesday. Combined with the North American market of a record-breaking $43.5M midnights, that’s now a $142.7M global cume. Another phenomenal day for the pic overseas where the 3D share of the box office is approximately 61%. IMAX also reported a record breaking opening for midnights of $2M on 274 domestic locations. Meanwhile, in Orlando last night, 3,000 audience members of the midnight film screening of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 at AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with free passes to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and had the park all to themselves from 3 to 5 AM.

Comparing same days and same foreign markets, Part 2 is 39% higher than Part 1. Highlights include Korea which opened to an enormous Won 3.3B ($3M) from 562 screens, including Wednesday previews; Argentina Ps 3.9M ($961K) from 253 screens / 3D share 43% for the biggest opening ever. On its second day of release: France: €3.4M (US$4.8M) from 1,195 screens for 2-day cume to date of €8.5M ($11.9M); Australia: A$4M ($4.2M) from 754 screens / 3D share 59% for 2-day cume to date of A$11.0M ($11.7M) which is the first time ever a film has grossed in excess of A$10Million in just 2 days; Germany: €3.0M (US$4.2Mm) from 1,641 screens / 3D share 69% for 2-day cume of €6.6M ($9.5M); and Russia Rbl 110M ($3.9M) from 1,561 screens / 3D share 72% for a 2-day cume of Rbl 228M ($8.1M). All the remaining territories of the 59-country release open today, including Spain, the UK, Japan, Brazil and Mexico.

FRIDAY 8:30 AM, 4TH UPDATE: Warner Bros said today that Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 grossed $43.5M last night from 3,800 North American locations helped by higher 3D ticket prices, shattering the previous midnight screenings record of $30M set by Twilight Saga: Eclipse which was only a 2D movie. IMAX set another record midnight of $2M for the 3D franchise finale helpe. The franchise finale also scored 97% positive on Rotten Tomatoes. “Records will fly out the window this weekend,” a studio exec is predicting. “All 3D theaters sold out to excellent reactions.”

THURSDAY 6:30 PM, 3RD UPDATE: My sources have the latest box office numbers for Warner Bros’ Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2. Domestically, $45 million has been collected already in pre-sales for this opening North America weekend, including $27M for tonight’s 3,000+ midnight screenings which could reach $40M alone. Internationally, $43.6 million has been added from the 24 of 59 countries where the franchise finale opened Wednesday. Another 19 nations debut the movie Thursday but that figure won’t be available until tomorrow. By Friday, the film will playing in an additional 16 territories as well as in 4,575 theaters in the U.S. and Canada. What these numbers mean is that Warner Bros is on track to break its own Dark Knight domestic opening 3-day weekend record of $158M. Helped by Harry Potter – Part 2‘s higher 3D ticket prices, the new pic could reach $180M. “Midnights and Friday will be huge,” a rival studio exec tells me. “The only question will be how front-loaded they are and where they end up. A lot of the international openings Wednesday were records so the total foreign will be huge as well.”

Right now I’m told that advance sales numbers and midnight screening numbers are changing ever 1/2 hour. Theater owners are just starting to record and report tickets purchased for tonight. As of 4 PM, Warner Bros had 1,800 theaters reporting $27M, but 3,000 will be playing the movie starting midnight so many theaters have yet to provide numbers. And then there are the projected walk-ins. It’s clear that this Harry Potter sign-off will set a midnight record, bigger than the previous record-holder Twilight Saga: Eclipse which scored $30M.

Another record to fall will be the biggest single day ever, set by Twilight Saga: New Moon with $72M. Warner Bros thinks it’s possible for $40M midnights and $40M Friday for an $80M single best day. I’m told the big theater circuits like AMC and Regal have already sold out midnight screenings and are adding 3 AM showings. Some are even scheduling round-the-clock releasing all weekend. “People have just been coming out of the woodwork,” a Warner Bros exec marveled to me. “What this really tells you is that our busines is alive and healthy and the old cliche is true: make good movies and they will show up.”

The biggest foreign weekend opening was the recent Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides‘ $260M this summer. Warner Bros expects Harry Potter – Part 2 to demolish that. Harder will be shattering the biggest worldwide opening set by the recent Transformers: Dark Of The Moon over a 7-day period: $402M. Speaking of international, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 opened to $43.6m in 26 countries on Wednesday by scoring 65% of its take from 3D. Part 2 is running 82% higher than Part 1. Territory highlights include:

But there was a glitch for Harry Potter – Part 2 in India. I’ve confirmed that Warner Bros International was having trouble reaching a deal with multiplexes there as of Wednesday night. The multiplexes wanted a 55% cut of the film’s profits. So the new film was just going to play on single screened theaters. But the studio just told me it supplied prints and digital drives to the multiplexes on Thursday India time.

THURSDAY AM, 2ND UPDATE: Sources tell me that Warner Bros as of 7 AM already has $13M in ticket sales for tonight’s midnight shows for the finale Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

WEDNESDAY PM UPDATE: My sources say Warner Bros’ Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 opened internationally with record-breaking sneaks in Australia (2.5M from 273 sites), Germany (1.8M from 563 sites), France $1.1M from 317 screens), Benelux, and Scandinavia. The 3D share of box office is averaging between 70% and 90%. IMAX also had record breaking numbers. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 has already broken several North American ticket records in the two days leading up to the series finale’s mega-release on Friday. Dan Fellman, President of Warner Bros Pictures Domestic Distribution, said advance ticket sales have skyrocketed to more than $32 million, a new pre-opening record. Many midnight and first-day show times are already sold out across the country and the studio keeps arranging with exhibitors for more and more screenings beyond the 3,800 locations opening at midnight Thursday. In total by Friday, the last pic will play on more than 11,000 screens in 4,375 locations — both marking records for the Harry Potter series.

Breaking another industry record, the film is being released on 274 IMAX screens nationwide. The very first Harry Potter movie to be released in 3D, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 will be shown in 3D at more than 3,000 locations. The studio has arranged for special commemorative Harry Potter 3D glasses to be given free to fans attending select 3D midnight showings while supplies last.

Fellman issued this statement: “We appreciate the loyalty of Harry Potter fans and understand that they have been waiting 10 years for this moment. We can’t wait to show them the movie, which we believe delivers on every level, so we are putting the film out on as many screens as possible in an effort to satisfy demand from coast to coast. We want to ensure that fans who have been counting down to the finale will have every chance to see it, early and often, and we hope that they will take advantage of the opportunity to watch all their favorite characters in 3D for the first time, which is an experience not-to-be-missed.”

By Wednesday morning, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part II had already become both Fandango’s and MovieTickets.com’s top ticket-seller of 2011 with 48 hours to spare before its North American release. The Harry Potter franchise finale has already sold out more than 5,000 showtimes across the country before its official Friday opening, and U.S. theater owners keep adding screenings to keep up with fan demand in all 50 states.

MovieTickets.com reports its records are shattering in advance of opening day and, when compared with other films in the Harry Potter film franchise: pre-sales for Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 are 38% higher than Part 1 three days prior to opening. The pic is trending to become the all-time #2 pre-seller in Fandango’s 11-year history, following only 2009’s The Twilight Saga: New Moon. This final adventure is currently conjuring up 91% of Fandango’s daily ticket sales. “It’s our fastest-selling movie of the year and our best-selling Potter movie of all time,” Fandango EVP and General Manager Rick Butler says in a statement. “The first Potter helped put advance ticketing on the map in 2001, so it’s fitting that the grand finale would break records with fans on our Web site and mobile applications.”

This weekend, the franchise finale opens in a total 59 countries on 19,500 screens. As of Wednesday, it’s in 24 countries, including Italy and Russia. Thursday, it opens in an additional 19 nations, including Korea. And Friday, it debuts in an additional 16 territories, including Spain, the UK, Japan, Brazil and Mexico. China opens on August 4th. (All box office from midnight sneaks will be included in the opening Wednesday numbers once they are in.)

WEDNESDAY AM, BREAKING NEWS… I’ve learned that Warner Bros is giving Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 a mega-release into 4,375 theaters and over 11,000 screens in North America alone on Friday. This will make it the widest domestic Harry Potter release of all time. The film will be shown in 3,000 3D locations, which constitutes a motion picture industry record, and on 4,250 3D screens. It will play at 274 IMAX venues, another industry record, as well as 120 Premium Large Format cinemas, also an industry record, and 270 drive-ins, another industry record. When the pic opens at Thursday midnight, Part II will be playing in at least 3,800 theaters. But I’m told that number is climbing by the hour. Already Warner Bros anticipates 300 Harry Potter marathons playing all seven of the movies ending at midnight Thursday with the 8th unreeling. There are 1,100 theaters planning to play HP 7A into 7B that midnight. “We are positioned to exceed the largest Harry Potter opening box office of all time,” a Warner Bros top exec tells me confidently. Remember, it’s already the largest-grossing franchise in motion picture history.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is the last adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war, with Harry Potter in the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Part 2 was directted by David Yates and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on Rowling’s novel. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

291 Comments

a gem • on Jul 13, 2011 6:58 am

After having a quite few films in the recent years compared to the earlier HP movies, it seems the final will become the biggest domestic grosser of all the HP movies. The sheer marketing required to keep the franchise running for 10 years is amazing. Lest we forget, all the movies follow a single story.

Personal Renoir • on Jul 16, 2011 9:45 am

Man did HP 6 and 7 suck… completely unforgiveable. Kloves shit the bed, as did Yates.

Al • on Jul 17, 2011 5:44 am

And HP8 too

joececchini • on Jul 17, 2011 2:49 pm

Yeah, a 97% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. What an absolute failure.

Liz • on Jul 17, 2011 7:51 am

“The sheer marketing required to keep the franchise running for 10 years is amazing.”

And that is the real story here: $$.

Anonymous • on Jul 17, 2011 11:20 am

Yes, but is Maggie Smith proportionately richer because of these films? I hope so. The Dame is deserving.

Mike L • on Jul 17, 2011 1:06 pm

Did you notice they ripped off an old movie poster from Enemy Mine?
What is that about?

Alboone • on Jul 13, 2011 7:20 am

Most midnight shows in NYC are already sold out.

H Potter Fan • on Jul 16, 2011 11:08 am

That’s good! Everyone needs to get out and support this movie! See it two, three, four times, show J.K. and the rest the love. Let them know how much we love them. There are no other movies playing this weekend – Harry is it.

Sean • on Jul 13, 2011 7:21 am

Why pay to see the first 7 in theatres when you can see them on ABC Family for free?

lsb • on Jul 13, 2011 9:47 am

Because there is just something about seeing a movie on a large screen instead of a little 60″ home television screen, that makes it magical, that is why people go to the movies in the first place.

Anonymous • on Jul 13, 2011 6:10 pm

….a little 60″ television?

Jack henderson • on Jul 15, 2011 12:09 pm

I was also gonna say a little 60” tv??? but you beat me to it :-)

Jacob • on Jul 16, 2011 12:45 pm

Compared to a movie screen, yeah, a 60″ TV is little.

monkeybutt • on Jul 18, 2011 12:33 am

Actually it’s relative to the distance you are from the screen.

Reno • on Jul 14, 2011 8:23 am

Ah yes, the magic of being suckered into seeing a dim, 3D converted movie for $15. The magic of someone kicking your chair and chatting while the person next to you is texting on their smartphone. The magic of a dork next to you, videotaping the new teaser for The Dark Knight Rises from his phone. Ah yes, the magic of going to the movies.

Why is it necessary to see a movie RIGHT when it comes out? It’s not going anywhere. Just wait until it dies down, or wait for the real magic called Blu-Ray.

Anonymous • on Jul 14, 2011 10:24 pm

There’s a magic in cheering and jeering with the audience and seeing your heroes on screen as giants.

The need to see a movie in theaters early is simply for the Monday water cooler conversation.

Dobber • on Jul 17, 2011 3:38 pm

Not when I can’s see the screen because some dorks wizard hat is obstruction my view!! No Thanks Ill wait for Blue Ray..

Dan • on Jul 15, 2011 6:54 am

Reno, people attend movies in the theaters to escape the living hell of what is going on in this country today for a couple of hours. With the debt crisis, two wars…one that started after the 9-11 attacks and the other that turned out to be a waste of government spending….both wars have killed thousands of our members in the military, the homeless and other issues that face this country…..what is so wrong with taking in a movie besides the high cost of actually going to the movies? The answer is nothing is wrong with going to a movie. Yes, it’s expensive but that won’t be a reason for some people to see a movie on the big screen. To them, it won’t matter if someone kicks them on the back of their seat or if someone tries to record the teaser for The Dark Knight Rises….they just want to escape and have fun for a few hours. Nothing wrong with that at all just like there is nothing wrong with you voicing your opinion.

shocking • on Jul 17, 2011 4:39 pm

the wars are killing our homeless?? i’ve not heard that! that’s just awful. i may have to seek out the latest ben stiller movie out of consolation.

cookmeyer1970 • on Jul 15, 2011 9:54 am

and why exactly are you even on this site?

Jack Henderson • on Jul 15, 2011 12:15 pm

Reno, HOW IS BLU-RAY MORE MAGICAL THAN SITTING IN A THEATRE WITH 200 HP FANS WHO ARE LAUGHING CRYING AND BEING AMAZED WITH YOU?!?
You know nothing about the cinematic experience. And before anyone replies it is a wonderful cinemstic experience.

I make sure that every person texting around me is thrown out of the theater. Not a popular move, but I’m there for the movie, not your latest “LOL fest”. I also wave my hands in front of the morons behind me trying to film the movie. They just love me for that one! And how do I get away with it? Smith & Wesson and my carry permit. Gotta love the 2nd Amendment, right folks?

Mark • on Jul 15, 2011 4:34 pm

People like you are why people think it’s okay to talk during a movie. Idiots like yourself who have absolutely no sense of scope and think watching something on a TV no bigger than a bookcase is somehow equal to watching a movie on a giant screen are the same people who are used to watching a movie and talking through it because they’re used to watching at home. Personally, I don’t want asshats like yourself in movie theaters. Stay at home, talk your fucking ass off and stay the fuck away from movie theaters.

rb_02 • on Jul 15, 2011 4:57 pm

Reno, those annoyances are easily avoidable. Just go see your favorite movie during a weekday afternoon (in the case of a movie like Potter, preferably, a couple of weeks after release) and there’s a good chance you’ll get the best of both worlds (the theater experience with the peace and quiet ambience of watching a movie at home).

Jacob • on Jul 16, 2011 12:46 pm

You must go to one ghetto-ass theater because I’ve never experienced any of that.

Ks gemini • on Jul 17, 2011 7:21 am

A lot of people dont even have Blu ray or even dvd players …there’s only a few movies I want to see each year and dont have the money to collect 100’s of discs like some popel plus taking your wife OUT is nice sometimes even if one were to have a home theatre. What bogggles some people’s minds about why they go to the movies puzzles me why people need fancy giant tv’s with speakers to annnoy the neighbors…I literally could buy a car with how much my best friend spent on cd’s and dvd’s in last 5 years..

rev3 • on Jul 17, 2011 2:16 pm

RENO FOR PRESIDENT

someone you tells it like it is!

godspeed

Mark • on Jul 15, 2011 4:29 pm

Because if people don’t go to see movies on the big screen it’ll never reach ABC Family so your cheap ass can see it.

Jerry • on Jul 15, 2011 5:54 pm

You sound like a cheap skate.

LCC • on Jul 16, 2011 3:32 am

Because they are edited to fit on TV with dozens of commercials each. Some things are worth paying for.

Sean • on Jul 13, 2011 7:22 am

Not a fan of the HP franchise. But I like to see movies making money at the box office. COME ON HP, BLOW IT UP!!!! DO IT BIG.

ES • on Jul 13, 2011 7:31 am

Stick it to Michael Bay, Harry.

Shove it hard!!!

joe • on Jul 13, 2011 10:33 am

have to say I’m excited. there go those T3 records down the tubes. at least HP is getting pretty good reviews as opposed to T3 worst reviews ever

Jack • on Jul 14, 2011 2:40 am

Dude, I’m NOOOOOO fan of Michael Bay but Trans3 came in #1 BIG TIME for the past 2 weeks. And it will most likely finish #2 in week three. Any studio in the world would KILL for that.

Your comment is like challenging Bay to a fight after he drank all the beer and left the party.

Sorry.

Esquire • on Jul 14, 2011 10:42 am

So true, Jack……………….so true.

Joe • on Jul 15, 2011 12:20 pm

I’m so excited that all the bull hoopla for T3 is now down the drain. No more records for them

Hamza • on Jul 13, 2011 7:39 am

Harry Potter is the best!

Liz • on Jul 17, 2011 7:39 am

Best what?

Marketing, media hype and expensive 3D do not a masterpiece make. I’m holding out for The Hobbit, which will be a genuinely genius piece of filmmaking.

deedeedragons • on Jul 13, 2011 7:51 am

A fine movie to end on. Maggie Smith just kills it!

Erin • on Jul 13, 2011 12:31 pm

Agreed! I missed Maggie in HP7.1 and i believe she did a great job this movie :D

I'm sad • on Jul 13, 2011 7:56 am

I don’t want it to end!

markLouis • on Jul 13, 2011 8:05 am

So a bunch of kids
wave around their magic wands
and everyone comes?

Anonymous • on Jul 13, 2011 8:18 am

Thank god this souless film series is over.

Anonymous • on Jul 13, 2011 8:34 am

Yeah, and let’s thank the tooth fairy and the easter bunny, too.

Gil Brooks • on Jul 13, 2011 8:50 am

This made me laugh. But it IS true- the films have no soul.

Zach • on Jul 13, 2011 9:54 am

Someone didn’t get their hug today.

–The Easter Bunny

Larry • on Jul 13, 2011 6:00 pm

True. They were literal translation of the written word into the film medium. They have little value as cinematic art. And they started the trend of moviemaking for the fans of the book series.

Mark • on Jul 15, 2011 4:31 pm

Is it hard to keep your balance when there is that much pretentiousness in your system? Just wondering.

Bob Rosen • on Jul 16, 2011 7:09 am

HEY BOB – TELL ME ABOUT THE CINEMATIC ART OF “TRANSFORMERS”. THEN, TELL ME ABOUT THE CINEMATIC ART OF ALL OF MICHAEL BAY’S MOVIES. Then tell me about the cinematic art of the FULL MOON series, all those romantic comedies Sony cranks out, the art of Dreamworks CGI flicks, in fact – how about 98% of ANYTHING churned out by the major studios. ART it’s not – COMMERCE it is.

Marketing. CS Lewis wanted everyone to know his series was a Christ analogy, talked about it, wrote about it, etc. Rowling hasn’t portrayed hers as such, even if it’s intended to be that way, which I don’t really think. The Narnia books also had a pretty direct metaphor, when Aslan is essentially crucified, then rises from the dead anew. There’s nothing like that in Harry Potter, unless you consider Voldemort to be the Christ figure.

HQD • on Jul 15, 2011 3:36 pm

Someone never finished the last book.

lii-u • on Jul 15, 2011 8:45 am

I AM A CONSERVATIVE TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC AND I LOVE THE HARRY POTTER SERIES. SO WHATS YOUR POINT? MILLIONS OR CHRISTIANS ie PROTESTANT, BORN-AGAIN, CATHOLIC, ORTHODOX, ETC… LOVE THIS SERIES IN BOOK &/or FILM FORM. REALLY WHAT IS YOUR POINT TO DRAG THIS INTO THIS RELEASE THREAD?

“HATE” LATELY????

dale • on Jul 15, 2011 10:39 pm

shhhh…some of us are trying to watch a movie

Ken W. Good • on Jul 13, 2011 9:02 am

I discovered the Harry Potter books right before the 3rd was to be released. I ready the first two and enjoyed them very much. I got to where I would buy each book as it was released. I am not a music fan, but I listen to audio books and I have exercised for several years listenting to these silly books. I have thought that Ms. Rawlings has not gotten enough awards because her book series has been credited with getting a lot of boys into reading. I have enjoyed the movies and they have become an event that my daughter and I do together. We are planning on going to a midnight show for one last father-daughter Harry Potter outing. Thanks Harry. I have enjoyed your eduction.

Sherrie • on Jul 15, 2011 9:04 am

I was given the Harry Potter books when I recooperating from kidney cancer, to take my mind off the fact that I had one of the deadliest form of cancer. It took me to a place that was carefree and magical, and I finished the first book in less than 2 days. The second book took a little longer, because of the pain I was in. I did not know that they had released a movie of the first film, as I was not into the Potter phenomenon, but I got the DVD when it came out. From that point, I read every book, went to see every movie with my children, and took as many children as I could in my mini van (I remember taking 20 people for Prisoner of Azkaban, yes very illegal, but try taking this group thru the McDonalds drive thru before the movie lol). Most of those children had read the books, were juniors and seniors in high school, the age of my son, and children 6 years younger, the age of my daughter. We saw every movie at the theatre after that.

My son is a disabled veteran, has a traumatic brain injury, and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and is in a rehabilitation center. He is bringing a friend to see the movie. This movie will really make his day. So anyone who says that this is just for children…is just wrong. Our group will consist of a 50 year old, a 37 year old and 2-25 year olds. Quite an age range huh?

J. • on Jul 15, 2011 12:29 pm

Wow…

marco • on Jul 16, 2011 5:17 am

Oh..come on!!

Johnny I. • on Jul 16, 2011 5:46 pm

I didn’t even think these were based on books until after the sixth movie. Are the books even publicized at all? Are they graphic books or regular? Whatever, why waste time reading when u can see the story in 2 hours.

David • on Jul 13, 2011 9:13 am

Yes, it’s the big final confrontation but you can only look so tough with a wand in your hand. Suck it, quidditch boy!

Bilbo • on Jul 13, 2011 9:19 am

Good luck to the people that choose to see this in the murky, post-converted, dim 3D. Talk about pissing away $15.

Erin • on Jul 13, 2011 12:33 pm

Go see it somewhere else – 3d here was great and the best yet.

Dan • on Jul 16, 2011 6:09 pm

For a movie that was post converted into 3D….this movie DELIVERS! If I were you, I would go see the movie before I pass judgement on it. This was actually a movie that was worth the extra money to see in 3D. I saw it in 2D last night and it was just as good then as the 3D was this afternoon. I know you aren’t a fan of 3D conversion but give this one a chance!

copycatters • on Jul 13, 2011 9:34 am

Sadly, I saw the first one and thats it. Never seen a bigger ripoff of Superman (essentially The Hero’s Journey) in my life.

Sam • on Jul 13, 2011 1:01 pm

People like you are the WORST thing about the film industry.

“Oh, dammit, I won the lottery. Now I have to go buy a wallet.”

Chad • on Jul 15, 2011 10:17 am

Why are people like him the “Worst” thing to happen to our industry? Is it because he has a different opinion? Art is subjective. Anyone who works in this business should be smart enough to know that.

J. • on Jul 15, 2011 12:33 pm

It’s not about his opinion it’s that his attitude is ‘I think this is like Superman so I’m not going to enjoying even if it’s actually great and I think the film industry shouldn’t make rubbish like this so I’ll never see the sequel, three-quel, four-quel, five-quel, six-quel, sept-quel, octo-quel!!!’

Rick • on Jul 14, 2011 1:28 am

I feel sorry for anyone who can’t appreciate the imagination and craftsmanship that has gone into each of these movies. I am old as dirt and nothing I have seen in years measures up to the pleasure this series has given me.

Superman? Really? You want to go THERE? The Harry Potter tales are a riff on hero legends older than Superman. Or maybe you haven’t been to the movies since Chris Reeve was a star.

Etoile • on Jul 15, 2011 2:37 am

I haven’t been to a Harry Potter since Chris Columbus directed the first two. They were unforgivable. Anyone who says that HP is the greatest film series ever is ignoring the obvious.

For my money Toy Story hit every ball out of the park

Christoper • on Jul 15, 2011 9:56 am

Ehehe. 3 is where the series got good. The Chris Columbus efforts looks amateurish in comparison. Sucks big hairy dick to be you!

Chad • on Jul 15, 2011 10:21 am

Why SHOULD he appreciate the art and imagination that’s gone into these films? Everyone has a different opinion, and one person’s art is another’s “no thanks, not interested”. There are so many different types of films that have been released since film was born: foreign, horror, drama, historical, war movies, crime thrillers…the list goes on and on. Just because someone may not appreciate the Harry Potter films, doesn’t mean they don’t have their own list of films that they hold close to them.

hiphopcop • on Jul 13, 2011 9:42 am

Not a big fan of HP, but I do hope they crush Transformers 3crap; whatever it takes.

Esquire • on Jul 15, 2011 10:44 am

People like you are so myopic it’s not even funny.

HP will be seismic (it already is) but do you REALLY think that Paramount will put away the Transformers films just because of Harry Potter setting new records?

Seriously, get some semblance of a clue.

CS • on Jul 13, 2011 9:50 am

This goes to show that when a movie is good, people will go in droves to see it. People want to see great stories, not just remade crap made with stick women who can’t act. When will Hollywood get it? You go Harry!

Truth-o-Meter • on Jul 13, 2011 11:18 am

Stick women? Where’d that come from?

Heather • on Jul 17, 2011 9:15 am

It’s a valid point.

College Student • on Jul 15, 2011 9:49 pm

People pay for their tickets BEFORE they actually see the movie, so opening weekend box office has close to zero correlation to quality. All that this big opening proves is that there are a lot of die-hard Potter fans who wanted to be among the first to see the movie, but then that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who saw them camp out on the eve of each book’s release.

Liz • on Jul 17, 2011 7:45 am

Every Potter film is frontloaded and the final episode was bound to be the most frontloaded of all.

Next weekend will be the real story. The Potter films typically drop by more than half in weekend 2; this drop-off may be the biggest yet. (No one will be talking about that record.)

rocketeuropa • on Jul 13, 2011 9:53 am

Biggest film franchise?
Including the Bond films??

Laura • on Jul 13, 2011 11:07 am

Yep. I forget on which movie they surpassed the take of all the bond films put together…think was maybe the 5th one? And Im pretty sure it has over a billion dollars more gross wise.

Dustin • on Jul 13, 2011 11:22 am

Bond didn’t merchandise like Harry did. Nor does it have a theme park to continue feeding it money.

Pat • on Jul 13, 2011 6:03 pm

But Bond movies are even worse than HP.

Jason Todd • on Jul 15, 2011 3:40 pm

There is not a TON of Harry Potter merch out there, though. It has been deliberately kept low-key.

Michael Strangeways • on Jul 13, 2011 12:45 pm

I’m guessing they are not adjusting for inflation…

Sherrie • on Jul 15, 2011 8:53 am

I guess they are not adjusting for inflation….more’s the pity. They should adjust the movies from the 60’s and the 70’s for inflation, then you’d see where this would actually stand. I bet you’d still see HP beating it. Bond was nothing in comparison to HP to be honest, even if you take the 3D sales away from it.

Chad • on Jul 17, 2011 4:25 pm

Actually, Bond IS bigger than HP. Thunderball grossed almost $600 million domestic, and Goldfinger over $500. All films total ajustion for inflation: 11.8 Billion

marco • on Jul 16, 2011 5:22 am

Avatar will be bigger than HP in just 3 movies

Larry Jotter • on Jul 13, 2011 9:53 am

Nope, Neville kills it. With that sword.

Greg Manwaring • on Jul 13, 2011 9:56 am

Saw it this morning in Munich – sold out audiences for every show. Fantastic – did not want it to end. Love Ralph Fiennes acting in this one!! Rickman shines as well.

Andy glover • on Jul 13, 2011 10:14 am

Yes. And if you simplify anything that much it sounds stupid

Eran • on Jul 13, 2011 10:19 am

the movie is being shown starting today in Israel, so my sister came back from the movie just a few minutes ago and said it was great, that the whole theater was full and there was a big line outside of the cinema when she got out.

huge? yes it is.

MrMAB • on Jul 13, 2011 10:38 am

I’ve enjoyed the series from the start–only on occasion feeling let down by how much had to be cut from the book to make a normal-length film. Aside from the Bond franchise, I honestly can’t think of another book series that stands a chance of being turned into a franchise this lucrative. MAYBE the Ender’s Game series by Orson Scott Card, which would appeal to much of the same audience as Harry Potter (A child having to prove himself a hero against great odds would appeal to kids as well as the Fantasy/Sci-fi/Fanboy audience).

J. • on Jul 15, 2011 12:36 pm

The Cherub series by Rob Muchamore is being made into a film soon and if it’s adapted well it could be big. But not HP style.

College Student • on Jul 15, 2011 9:56 pm

If there’s a book franchise that stands a chance of being as lucrative a film franchise as ‘Harry Potter’ is, then it hasn’t been published yet. Don’t forget that the ‘Harry Potter’ books themselves were a national phenomenon long before they became movies.

Colby • on Jul 13, 2011 12:20 pm

Watching the first 4 at home to day then going to see the last 4 at the theater tomorrow. Its gonna be sad :(

jeff • on Jul 15, 2011 12:47 am

yeah that does sound pretty pathetic

Jack • on Jul 15, 2011 12:19 pm

Shut it,Jeff

BrandonL • on Jul 13, 2011 12:38 pm

Good Day Everyone,
Thank for the update Nikki…however there is one thing…4,375 theaters for this film is not the widest release for the Harry Potter Franchise!!! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince owns that one with 4,455 theaters. However this is the widest opening theater count. Thanks for everything!